Redeeming laughter : the comic dimension of human experience / Peter L. Berger.

Format:

Book

Author/Creator:

Berger, Peter L., author.

Language:

English

Subjects (All):

Comic, The--Religious aspects--Christianity.

Comic, The.

Wit and humor--Religious aspects--Christianity.

Wit and humor.

Physical Description:

1 online resource (223 p.)

Edition:

Second edition.

Place of Publication:

Berlin, [Germany] ; Boston, [Massachusetts] : Walter de Gruyter GmbH, 2014.

Language Note:

English

Summary:

Amid the variety of human experiences, the comic occupies a distinctive place. It is simultaneously ubiquitous, relative, and fragile. In this book, Peter L. Berger reflects on the nature of the comic and its relationship to other human experiences. Berger contends that the comic is an integral aspect of human life, yet one that must be approached and analyzed circumspectly and circuitously. Beginning with an exploration of the anatomy of the comic, Berger addresses humor in philosophy, physiology, psychology, and the social sciences before turning to a discussion of different types of comedy and finally suggesting a theology of the comic in terms of its relationship to folly, redemption, and transcendence. Along the way, the reader is treated to a variety of jokes on a variety of topics, with particular emphasis on humor and its relationship to religion. Originally published in 1997, the second edition includes a new preface reflecting on Berger's work in the intervening years, particularly on the relationship between humor and modernity.

Contents:

Front matter

Overview

Preface

Prefatory Remarks, Self-Serving Explanations, and Unsolicited Compliments

Prologue

Part I: Anatomy of the Comic

1. The Comic Intrusion

2. Philosophers of the Comic, and the Comedy of Philosophy

3. Laughing Monks: A Very Brief Sinitic Interlude

4. Homo Ridens: Physiology and Psychology

5. Homo Ridiculus: Social Constructions of the Comic

6. Interlude: Brief Reflections on Jewish Humor

Part II: Comic Forms of Expression

7. The Comic as Diversion: Benign Humor

8. The Comic as Consolation: Tragicomedy

9. The Comic as Game of Intellect: Wit

10. The Comic as Weapon: Satire

11. Interlude: The Eternal Return of Folly

Part III: Toward a Theology of the Comic

12. The Folly of Redemption

13. Interlude: On Grim Theologians

14. The Comic as a Signal of Transcendence

Epilogue

Notes:

Description based upon print version of record.

Description based on print version record.

ISBN:

9783110354003

3110354004

9783110387667

3110387662

OCLC:

979745985